The use of face coverings in schools

Dear Colleague

Use of face coverings in schools

Welsh Government has updated its operational guidance on the use of face coverings in schools.

The guidance now states that face coverings should be worn:

• in all areas outside the classroom by staff and learners in secondary schools;

• on dedicated school transport for learners in Year 7 and up; and
• by visitors to all schools, including parents and carers dropping off and collecting children from schools.

The move follows the publication of SAGE evidence and a recent TAG report.

We understand that you will need sufficient time to communicate these changes to staff, parents and pupils. However, the expectation is that these changes will be implemented as quickly as possible over the next few days.

Along with hand-washing and social distancing, the use of face coverings will play its part in keeping pupils, staff and parents as safe as possible.

A template letter to parents describing the revised guidance and emphasising these points is available on the Q:\drive.

Social media assets are also available for you share which explain social distancing and how to wear face coverings 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZvaU9CIF5u27UHyACS6AqdRTPlsJ7XO 

Regularly updated information from Welsh Government is available on their social media channels

https://twitter.com/WG_Education https://www.facebook.com/educationwales/

Full Welsh Government COVID–19 guidance for schools and settings can be found here:

https://gov.wales/operational-guidance-schools-and-settings-autumn-term-version-4-html

For learners or workforce using public transport, Transport for Wales has developed a personalised exemption notice. While there is no legal requirement to have a personalised exemption note, it might help people who are exempt from wearing face coverings to feel confident when they travel on public transport in Wales. A link to a template note to download can be found at:

https://exemption.trc.cymru/

With my thanks for your continuing support.

Yours sincerely

Lindsay Iorwerth Harvey (Mr)

Uned Cymorth Cyfarwyddiaeth Addysg a Chymorth i Deuluoedd (UCCACD)

Education and Family Support Directorate Support Unit (EDSU)​